Winter Walking on Kos: Join Our Community Walking Group

This past Saturday marked a special moment for us at Evexia Kos – the launch of our winter walking season. As we gathered at the ancient village of Palio Pyli, excitement buzzed through the group. Some faces were familiar, cherished friends who've walked countless paths with us. Others were new, bringing fresh energy and stories to share. There's something truly magical about welcoming newcomers into our walking family, watching strangers become friends with each step along Kos's beautiful trails.

Our first winter walk took us through the enchanting ruins of Palio Pyli and up to its Byzantine castle, perched dramatically on the hillside. The autumn light painted the stone walls golden, and the views across the island reminded us all why we call Kos home. It was the perfect start to what promises to be another wonderful season of exploration and connection.

Walking Together: More Than Just Exercise

Every fortnight throughout the winter months, our community comes together to explore this remarkable island we're blessed to call home. Some walks revisit our favourite 'regular' routes – those beloved paths we return to again and again, like old friends. Others venture into new territory, discovering hidden corners of Kos that surprise even those of us who've lived here for years.

What makes our walking group special isn't just the destination – it's the journey we share. It's the conversations that flow as easily as our footsteps, the laughter that echoes across the hills, the quiet moments of awe when we pause to take in a breathtaking view. It's the sense of belonging, of being part of something greater than ourselves.

The Remarkable Diversity of Kos

One of the greatest joys of walking on Kos is the island's incredible variety. In a single morning, you can experience terrain that shifts from flat coastal paths to rolling hills, from ancient olive groves to dramatic mountain vistas. This diversity means our walks truly cater to all abilities.

Some routes are completely flat, perfect for those preferring gentler terrain or building their fitness gradually. Others explore the hills, offering a more challenging workout and rewarding those who climb with spectacular panoramic views. Whether you're a seasoned hiker or taking your first steps into regular walking, there's a place for you in our group.

The landscape changes with the seasons too. Winter on Kos brings its own special beauty – the air is crisp and clear, the light softer, the colours more subtle. The summer crowds have gone, leaving the trails peaceful and the ancient sites serene. It's the perfect time to truly connect with the island's natural and historical treasures.

Why Walking Transforms Body and Mind

Walking is perhaps the most underrated form of wellness practice. In our modern world of high-intensity workouts and complex fitness regimes, we sometimes forget the profound power of simply putting one foot in front of the other.

Physical Health Benefits

Regular walking strengthens your cardiovascular system, reducing the risk of heart disease and stroke. It builds bone density, particularly important as we age. It improves balance and coordination, helping prevent falls. It boosts your immune system, keeping you healthier through the winter months. And unlike high-impact exercise, walking is gentle on your joints whilst still providing an effective workout.

Walking outdoors adds even more benefits. The uneven terrain of natural paths engages more muscles than flat pavements. The fresh air fills your lungs. The vitamin D from winter sunshine (yes, even in winter, Kos delivers!) supports everything from bone health to mood regulation.

Mental and Emotional Wellbeing

But perhaps walking's greatest gift is what it does for our minds and spirits. Studies consistently show that regular walking reduces symptoms of anxiety and depression. It improves sleep quality. It enhances creativity and problem-solving abilities. The rhythmic nature of walking has an almost meditative quality, quieting the mental chatter that so often overwhelms us.

Walking in nature amplifies these benefits even further. The Japanese practice of shinrin-yoku or 'forest bathing' has demonstrated that time amongst trees lowers cortisol levels, reduces blood pressure, and improves overall wellbeing. On Kos, we're blessed with landscapes that offer this natural therapy in abundance.

The Power of Community

And then there's the magic ingredient that makes our walking group truly special: community. Walking together transforms a solitary exercise into a shared experience. It combats loneliness and isolation, particularly important during the quieter winter months. It creates accountability – you're more likely to show up when you know your friends are expecting you. It provides support and encouragement, helping everyone achieve more than they might alone.

The conversations that happen on our walks are different from those in everyday life. There's something about walking side by side, rather than face to face, that makes it easier to open up. Problems that seemed insurmountable back home often find solutions on the trail. Worries that weighed heavy somehow feel lighter after a few hours in good company, surrounded by natural beauty.

Join Us on the Path

Our winter walking season has begun, and we'd love you to be part of it. Whether you're a long-time Kos resident or new to the island, whether you're an experienced hiker or haven't walked for exercise in years, you're welcome here.

Every two weeks, we gather to explore a different corner of this beautiful island. Some walks will challenge you. Others will soothe you. All will connect you – to nature, to community, to yourself.

To join our walks and stay updated on routes, meeting times, and all the details, join our Facebook group: Evexia Kos Walking Group

We can't wait to welcome you. There's a path waiting, a view you haven't seen yet, a conversation you haven't had, a version of yourself you haven't met. All you need to do is take that first step.

See you on the trails,

Gilly

Evexia Kos

Walking is the simplest wellness practice and the most profound. Join us, and discover what your body and mind have been waiting for.

A group of hikers and their dogs pause for a photo, surrounded by towering trees and a clear blue sky on a sunny day in the mountains.